Having started C25K four weeks ago and enjoyed it, I was really disappointed when I picked up a couple of injuries (knees and shins - not sure how I did the lot in one go on W2R3 but I managed it!) that stopped me from running. I'd also just gone and had a gait analysis and bought lovely new shoes - they stayed in the box for the 2 weeks I had to take off! I did plenty of stretches, got some knee braces to wear when necessary and tried to do as much walking as possible without overdoing it but I was really worried that it wouldn't be a substitute and I'd lose the progress I'd made in the first two weeks. Last week I was working away taking a disabled lady on holiday; pushing her around in her wheelchair definitely helped build some strength in my legs!

This morning I decided that I felt like I had healed and I was ready to try running again, so I got out my new shoes (yay!), grabbed my headphones and went for it. I decided to at least try W3R1, reasoning that I'd go easy on myself and if the 3 minutes was too much I'd just go back to week 2 or even week 1. The 90 second run was fine, and I queued up my current favourite song in preparation for the 3 minute run section. I took it steady, and was so happy when I made it to the end of the segment I could have cheered! I managed to finish the whole of W3R1! I was so happy when I got home, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be even if my pace was pretty slow (11:02 for the first 3 minute run - not too bad - and 12:49 for the second). Having tried C25K and other exercises before and given up as soon as it got tough, I was doubting whether I would carry on after the 2 week break or if I'd just give up, but I didn't!

So it must be said, I'm feeling pretty proud of myself right now! Roll on W3R2!

That is fantastic, well done. It is very important to get new shoes out of the box!!!! I am starting week 8 on Monday, have had a knee ache along the way, calf pain which is intermittent while running and felt like my legs r tired sometimes. As I am 51, decided to make rest days non exercise days and have sometimes just relaxed in bed for an hour. Wondering if the rest days are allowing me to keep going because I am surprised I am almost to graduation in one piece! Julie